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Kitsap County Under Burn Ban
Rising temps call for caution during wildfire season
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, July 8, 2025
Photo: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
Most outdoor burning will be prohibited in Kitsap County beginning Wednesday, July 9, as a precaution against summer's wildfire friendly conditions.
The county fire marshal announced a phase one ban a day before it [goes] into effect at 8 a.m., warning of an expected substantial uptick in wildfire risks next week as temperatures are predicted to reach high 80s. Citing outdoor burning as the most common cause of wildfires, outdoor burning permits will be temporarily suspended, and the only acceptable outdoor flames are for recreational or cooking purposes with limitations.
Read the story here
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Chamber: Off the Clock
Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 5:05 pm
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July Luncheon: Summer Member Picnic
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
| | Summer is here and we're celebrating our members with our annual luncheon benefitting the Greater Kitsap Chamber Foundation and scholarship programs. Join us on the campus of Olympic College and enjoy networking while we fundraise for scholarships with our business bingo, pie-in-the-face raffle, and more! You won't want to miss this fun summer-slowdown where business connections are made and networking is next level. | | |
GKCVC Presents: Silverdale @ Sunset
Summer concert series returns to Waterfront Park
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Port to Port Pop-Up @ Blackberry Festival
August 30 & 31, 2025
| | Join us for a sail during Bremerton's Blackberry Festival! Catch the pop-up in Silverdale or Bremerton for a 1-hour sail along Dyes Inlet. Grab a bite to eat at one of Old Town Silverdale's amazing restaurants or check out the musical lineup and all things blackberry at the annual Blackberry Festival on the Bremerton Boardwalk. Reservations and ticketing coming soon! | | Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon | | |
Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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One Stop for Quality Care
With Nice Healthcare®, Business Health Trust continues to make it easier for businesses to provide competitive benefits that improve employee well-being and save employees money, all while keeping costs under control.
Did you know:
- Nice has a 93.2 Net Promoter Score (NPS).
- 98% of patients rate their care as better than previous clinics.
Get started today and help your employees access quality care from the comfort of their home.
🔗 Webpage Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/products/nice-healthcare/
Questions? Contact BHT!
(425) 201-1972
nice@businesshealthtrust.com
Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Visit bhtquote.com to learn more and get a free quote.
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Renew your membership today to ensure your benefits as a member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Need a new membership window cling or digital badge? Contact David now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
| | New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! | | |
Quincy Square Grand Opening
Join the Chamber for ribbon cutting as part of festivities
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Downtown Bremerton Seeks Survey Input
Group aims to reduce storefront vacancy in Downtown
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The Downtown Bremerton Association is working to reduce the 26% storefront vacancy in their Main Street corridor and they need input from local businesses.
If you own a business or property in Downtown, Charleston, Manette, or Lebo/Harrison Heights, please take our quick survey. Your feedback will help us understand local challenges and shape data-driven recommendations for the City and our partners.
Bremerton’s blend of creative, unique, and heritage-driven businesses is what makes our city special. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and help shape Bremerton’s economic future.
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Changing Faces, Changing Places
Share your business news today
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Has your team recently welcomed a new hire, celebrated a promotion, or marked a retirement? Kitsap Business magazine's Changing Faces, Changing Places section highlights the people powering our local business community. Chamber members are invited to share their staff updates for inclusion in an upcoming issue.
Send your announcements to news@kitsapbusiness.com and let us help you recognize the faces behind your success.
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For 80 years, Kitsap Regional Library has been a cornerstone of learning, connection, and community across Kitsap County. Founded in 1945, this beloved institution has grown alongside the community it serves, evolving far beyond books to become a vital hub for information, inspiration, and engagement for residents of all ages.
A proud member of the Chamber since 2001, Kitsap Regional Library’s commitment to Kitsap County is unwavering. From its humble beginnings, the Library has expanded to nine locations and a robust digital presence, ensuring that no matter where you are — from Bainbridge Island to Bremerton — you have free access to knowledge and community resources that enrich everyday life.
At the heart of the Library’s mission is a simple yet powerful belief: everyone deserves access to the tools they need to dream, learn, and grow. Whether it’s a child discovering the joy of reading, a job seeker learning new skills, or a lifelong learner exploring new ideas, Kitsap Regional Library provides programs, spaces, and resources that make it possible.
A Vital Community Partner
Kitsap Regional Library doesn’t just serve the community — it’s a vital part of it. By partnering with local schools, community organizations, and businesses, the Library supports literacy, lifelong learning, and local economic vitality. The Library’s free programs and welcoming spaces create a place where people connect, share ideas, and build a stronger, more resilient Kitsap County.
As the Library celebrates 80 years of service, its impact is visible in every branch and every person who walks through its doors or logs in online. From book clubs that spark new friendships to workshops that help people learn new skills, the Library’s influence ripples through generations.
Looking Ahead: A Community Choice This August
In August 2025, Kitsap County voters will have the opportunity to help shape the Library’s future by voting on a levy to maintain and expand essential services. This important measure will help ensure that Kitsap Regional Library can continue to grow with the community, invest in new programs and technology, and keep library spaces welcoming and accessible for decades to come.
Kitsap Regional Library’s story is one of connection, progress, and unwavering dedication to Kitsap County. As they celebrate 80 years of service, they invite the community to look forward together — continuing a legacy of learning, belonging, and discovery for generations to come.
To learn more about Kitsap Regional Library, its services, or the upcoming levy, visit www.krl.org or follow them on Facebook.
| | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
Accounting Basics & the Importance of Accounting to Your Business
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 1:00 pm
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Do you know the difference between bookkeeping and accounting? Are you having trouble understanding what financial statements are? Then you have come to the right place. Sign up for our Accounting Basics class and learn the important information that you need to know about your small business accounting.
The instructor, Ann Zimmerman, is a Washington SBDC Certified Business Advisor. She earned her BA in Accounting from Western Washington University and received her Master’s degree in Accounting and Tax from Washington State University. Ann has over thirty years of experience in business and has worked in various industries including retail, construction services, manufacturing, healthcare, and not-for-profit.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Successfully Starting a
New Business in Washington
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 9:00 am
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This workshop will give you the following skills to take those first critical steps in starting a successful business:
- Understand the different business entities and choose the best one for your business.
- Learn how to properly license your business in Washington state.
- Select the correct insurance for your business.
- Understand the options for financing your business.
First, we review what you need to know about setting up your business with the best legal entity. Whether you choose a sole proprietorship, LLC or another entity, we will help you understand how to get the right business licenses along with understanding the state and federal taxes you need to manage.
Understanding how to protect your business and yourself with the correct business insurance is critical. You’ll learn about the various commercial insurance policies available and we’ll help you determine what’s best for you.
We’ll describe to you various financing options for your business, and then show you how to apply for the financing that makes sense for you.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Taxes on Washington Businesses
and Business Owners
Monday, July 14, 2025, 10:00 am
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Running a business in Washington means navigating a complex tax landscape. This workshop will guide you through federal, state, and local taxes that impact your business and personal income. Learn how to properly report and pay taxes, avoid common pitfalls, and implement best practices for record keeping. Gain confidence in managing your business finances and ensuring compliance with tax laws.
Registration Fee: FREE
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Summit Workshop: Transition Your Business
to Employee Ownership
Friday, July 18, 2025, 10:00 am
| | Business News & Resources | | |
AWB Summer Webinars
Learn about the new laws taking effect this month in WA
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Courtesy of the Association of Washington Business
Summer brings new laws: There’s a slew of new state laws affecting Washington employers taking effect in July. Read about some of the new laws here and register for two free AWB webinars to learn more about the changes:
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Employment law webinar: Join experts to learn about the myriad of employment law changes, from worker protections to job posting requirements, in a webinar at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 22. Register here.
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Tax and fiscal policy webinar: Learn about how upcoming tax policy changes may impact your business in a webinar at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 23. Register here.
Employment law: Many laws affecting hiring, labor relations and other areas take effect this month, including:
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UI for striking workers: SB 5041 allows striking workers to receive unemployment benefits for up to six weeks. Workers become eligible for benefits the second Sunday following the first date of the strike. Effective July 27.
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Equal pay protections: A change that took effect July 1 expands the state's Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to many more classes of workers.
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Driver license requirement in job postings: SB 5501 prohibits employers from including in a job posting a requirement that a worker possess a valid drivers' license, unless the job requires the individual to drive as part of their job duties. Effective July 27.
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Pay transparency law updates: SB 5048 gives employers a five-day period to correct an alleged violation of salary disclosure requirements to avoid penalties and damages. Effective July 27.
Higher taxes and fees: The Legislature passed various tax and fee increases, including:
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Estate tax changes: There are new estate tax rates for the estates of anyone passing away on or after July 1, 2025. The law raises the top tax rate to 35%, the highest state-level estate tax in the nation, according to the Tax Foundation.
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Fees are increasing for hunting and fishing licenses, marriage licenses, and various liquor licensing and permits. The per bed fee for long-term care facilities is also going up.
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Tax Overhaul Shakes Up Credits for Businesses
Key changes you should know
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Published in The Playbook, The Business Journals, July 3, 2025
Getty Images (Designer491)
A major tax overhaul is set to become law after the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a sweeping tax bill on July 3.
The move will result in a raft of changes to the tax credits business owners know and rely on — as well as some other changes that could affect employers.
Here's a look at 15 key changes businesses need to know from the law:
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Business property credit: Under current law, the so-called “bonus depreciation” is available through 2026, and allows for property (with a number of specific tweaks for aircraft and other properties) purchased between 2017 and 2023 to be eligible to be 100% depreciated on taxes — which is phased down by 20% per calendar year for property placed into service afterwards. The tax credit will make bonus depreciation permanent and allow 100% of the property acquired to be depreciated on taxes.
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Research-and-development credit: Currently businesses must amortize domestic research spending over a five-year period — the result of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed during Trump's first term. Businesses previously could deduct all domestic research and experimental costs incurred in the tax year, something the legislation restores. In addition, the legislation allows small businesses with $31 million in gross receipts or less to apply to make retroactive deductions for tax years beginning in 2022 and before 2025, and to accelerate any existing deductions.
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Business interest tax credit: Right now, tax deductions for business interest expenses are limited to either the sum of the businesses interest income for the year or 30% of the adjusted taxable income year and its interest paid or accrued on the finance of vehicles. The new law increases the cap on business interest expenses for 2025 and after by making “adjusted taxable income” calculated without taking into account depreciation, amortization or depletion.
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Increased expensing for depreciable business assets: Businesses may currently expense up to $1 million per year of the cost of a qualifying property rather than recover the amounts through tax depreciation deductions, with amounts tied to inflation and increasing every year. The new legislation increases the amount a business can expense to $2.5 million in a taxable year, reduced by the amount by which the cost of the qualifying property exceeds $4 million, which is then tied to inflation beginning after 2025.
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Special depreciation for qualified production property: Businesses must now capitalize the cost of property used in a trade or business held to produce income and recover such costs through periodic deductions for depreciation or amortization — usually over a 39-year time frame. The legislation allows for an additional first-year depreciation deduction of 100% of the adjusted basis of the qualified property, subject to some stipulations that include its use in developing residential properties and which does not include office space, administrative services, lodging, parking or software development or engineering.
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Extension of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act: Under current law, the credit covers up to 25% of the wages paid to employees on leave based on wages paid and number of employees, but that's set to expire at the end of this year. The bill makes the credit permanent and expands it to include money paid for family leave insurance premiums. It would also lower the work-requirement eligibility from one year to six months.
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Deductions for business meals: Right now, employers are able to expense up to 50% of the cost of providing food or beverages to employees through an eating facility, a deduction that is set to expire at the end of 2025. The new law maintains the current exemptions.
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Enhanced manufacturing credit: Under current law, an investment tax credit is available for qualified investments in an advanced manufacturing facility by an eligible taxpayer for property — the construction on which begins prior to January 1, 2027. The advanced manufacturing investment tax credit is equal to 25% of the qualified investment for a taxable year for any advanced manufacturing facility of an eligible taxpayer. This provision will increase the credit rate to 30% effective for property placed in service after Dec. 31, 2025.
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Expansion of the employer child-care credit: Currently, businesses are given a credit of up to $150,000 per year on up to 25% of qualified child-care expenses provided to employees, meaning a business must spent at least $600,000 to receive the full credit. The legislation would increase the credit to $500,000 and raise the covered expenses to 40% — meaning a business that spends $1.25 million on child-care expenses for workers would get the full credit. For small businesses, the bill would also create a separate credit of up to $600,000, with 50% of expenses covered — meaning they would spend $1.2 million to get the full credit. Small business with no more than 50 employees would qualify.
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Exclusion for employer payments of student loans: Businesses today can provide their workers up to $5,250 in educational assistance excluded from their income (which includes student loan and tuition payments). The legislation makes this exclusion from gross income permanent and tie the total amount of the possible exclusion to inflation.
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New Markets Tax Credit: This competitively awarded nonrefundable tax credit is set to expire on Dec. 31. The legislation permanently extends the NMTC program.
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Third-party network transaction rule: Right now, third-party settlement organizations, such as Venmo or PayPal or others, must issue 1099-K forms for all users with gross payments exceeding $600 for goods and services beginning in 2026 — the end result of a requirement passed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The legislation modifies the reporting rule to include only those with $20,000 or more from 200 separate transactions in any given tax year.
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Exclusion of interest on loans secured by rural or agricultural real property: The legislation would create a new tax benefit for FDIC-insured banks or regulated insurance companies that would allow them to exclude, from their gross income, 25% of the interest income derived from qualified real estate loans, which would be loans secured to real property used to produced agricultural products or is used in the trade or business of fishing, seafood or aquaculture facility, among others.
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No tax on tips: Workers can get a deduction from their taxes of up to $25,000 for cash tips received during any given year, and that's allowed for both full-time employees and contractors. The deduction phases out when gross income exceeds $150,000 or $300,000 in the case of a joint return.
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Overtime tax credit: A deduction of up to $12,500 for an individual or $25,000 when filing jointly for qualified overtime compensation during a given year. The deduction begins to phase out when the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 ($300,000 in the case of a joint return).
The legislation also cuts deeply into a series of renewable energy tax credits and deductions passed during the Covid-19 pandemic, including for electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and development projects.
A revamp to the Opportunity Zone program is also included, with a new set of terms and conditions.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
| | The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to serve as a resource partner with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Stay tuned to this section quarterly for education, resources and more from L&I. | | |
Seasonal Safety
Stay cool with these seasonal safety ideas
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Outdoor workers
Fire hazards, increased construction activities, and outdoor heat all create risks for injuries to outdoor workers during summer months. Plus, heat can make workers more susceptible to falls, equipment-related injuries, and other on-the-job safety hazards.
Consider some of the many resources available like:
Head over to the summer section of the seasonal safety page on our website for training materials, videos, and more!
Ergonomics Ideas Bank
A withdrawal from the Ergonomics Ideas Bank won’t cost you a thing. In fact, with sprains and strains being a frequent and costly source of workplace injury claims, the idea bank is likely to save you money!
- Search by industry or hazard type to find all sorts of resources on ergonomic safety.
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And, don’t forget you can always schedule a free consultation!
Visit L&I's Safety & Health page for a wealth of information and resources!
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | | |
Be Strategic About Your
Nonprofit's Strategic Planning
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Published on NonprofitPRO.com, July 7, 2025
Photo: Getty Images by SDI Productions
Summer has arrived, and the heat is on. Some nonprofits are making the transition between fiscal years, while others are hoping to shore up plans for the remainder of the year. Whatever the reason, this tends to be the season when many nonprofit organizations head into the board room for … cue ominous music … strategic planning.
Whether your organization is engaging in short-term or long-term planning, the approach you take could make the difference between failure and success. Here are a few tips to help you move toward success.
Read the article here
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Suquamish Tribe Generates $250M Annually
for Kitsap County Economy
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Published in South Sound Business, July 1, 2025
Photo courtesy of Port Madison Enterprises
The Suquamish Tribe’s operations and investments generate more than $250.4 million in annual gross economic impact in Kitsap County and $296 million across Washington state, according to findings released today from an economic impact study.
The study details the tribe’s contributions across the county and state in 2023, according to a news release from the tribe. The study was conducted by Jonathan B. Taylor, president of Taylor Policy Group Inc. in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and an economist with expertise in natural resources, gaming, and American Indian development.
Read the article here
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Silverdale
Expect daytime and nighttime delays on Silverdale Way NW (from Bucklin Hill Rd to Waaga Way) and NW Bucklin Hill Rd (from Silverdale Way NW to Blaine Ave) due to a road and stormwater improvement project. Work will take place Monday through Friday and is expected to be completed by fall 2025. Visit the project website for details.
Expect delays on Provost Rd NW between NW Shelley Dr and NW Newberry Hill Rd for a Silverdale Water utility project.
Expect delays on NW Eldorado Blvd between Newberry Hill Rd and Eldorado Pl NW for construction work related to a private development. Traffic control in place during work hours.
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Community Fix-It Fair
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
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Kitsap County Solid Waste, in partnership with Kitsap Regional Library, is hosting a free Fix-it Fair on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bremerton – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. branch, located at 612 5th Street in Bremerton.
This community event brings together skilled volunteers who will help repair household items, giving residents a chance to save money, reduce waste, and connect with neighbors. All Kitsap residents are welcome!
What to bring
Kitsap residents are welcome to bring up to two items to each Fix-it Fair. Popular items include lamps, small home appliances, vacuums, bicycles (minor repairs), small electronics, clothing, and textiles. Please note that all items must be carried in and out by the owner — oversized items are not allowed. Volunteer fixers will do their best to assess and attempt repairs, but there are no guarantees. Some items are more difficult to repair, can take longer than we have time for at the event, or even break more during a repair attempt.
What not to bring
- No large appliances
- No appliances with refrigerants
- No items that are leaking fluids
- No items having noxious or excessive odors
- No microwaves
- No items filled with oil or gas
- No grimy, dirty, or hazardous items
What to expect at a Fix-it Fair
Before visiting our Fix-it Fairs, please:
- Clean your items
- Bring any instructions or manuals that you might have
- Purchase and bring your repair part. We’ll have some small items available; however, if you require a special part, we’ll request you purchase it ahead of time.
- Check event specific information! Each event may have different fixing skills available. We’ll do our best to keep our events webpage updated with current information on skills available.
- Participants must arrive and check-in by 1:30 p.m.
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Tunes, Trees & Tacos @ Bloedel Reserve
Friday, July 18, 2025
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Kitsap Pride
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 3:00 pm
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Coffee Oasis Day at the Tacoma Rainiers
Sunday, July 27, 2025
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You're invited to a fun and meaningful afternoon at the ballpark! Come cheer on the Tacoma Rainiers while supporting youth experiencing homelessness in our community. This special afternoon is a great opportunity to enjoy a game, connect with others who care about the community, and support The Coffee Oasis.
Your $20 ticket will include:
+ Admission
+ Hot dog
+ Chips
+ Bottled Water
+ And you support youth programs and shelters at The Coffee Oasis
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Masks Still Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber still has some supplies available if your local business is in need of KN95 masks. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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GuestHouse Inn & Suites Poulsbo
Newly renovated and centrally located in Little Norway
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Discover all that downtown Poulsbo has to offer at the convenient, comfortable, and the newly renovated GuestHouse Inn & Suites of Poulsbo – Kitsap. Our Poulsbo, WA hotel is an ideal location for all government travelers as we are the closest hotel to Naval Base Bangor, Naval Base Kitsap, and Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Keyport. Also within minutes is the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
Whether you are coming to Poulsbo for business or pleasure, our stylishly decorated rooms will be your personal retreat. All rooms are equipped with a 55″ HD TV, fridge, and a microwave plus Fiber Optic High-Speed Internet Access! Our hotel in Poulsbo is accessible from a short, but breathtaking 30-minute ferry ride across the Puget Sound via the Seattle and Bainbridge Island Ferry and the Edmonds and Kingston Ferry.
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Bremerton Night Market
@ the Bremerton Boardwalk
Friday, July 11, 2025
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Hell on Wheels - Tribute to the Queens of Country
Friday, July 11, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Gimme Shelter - Rolling Stones Tribute
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Summer Concerts on the Lawn
Wild Night - Van Morrison Tribute
Thursday, July 17, 2025, 7:00 pm
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Bremerton Air Show
July 12 & 13, 2025
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Quincy Square Grand Opening Festival
July 12 & 13, 2025
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Summer Adventures at Olympic Outdoor Center
Don't miss out on bioluminescence paddles
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Discover the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence on an unforgettable nighttime kayak tour through Port Gamble Bay! This bay boasts nearly 2 miles of untouched shoreline, making it the perfect spot to witness the stunning glow of nature. Get immersed in this magical light show and make memories that will stay with you forever.
From now through September, you can paddle amongst the bioluminescence at night in Gamble Bay with Olympic Outdoor Center. This is an amazingly fun experience that is surely one to brag to your friends about. There are also full moon bioluminescence tours as well!
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Is being on the water not your thing? Olympic Outdoor Center has you covered with Electric Bike Tours on the Port Gamble Trails. You can simply ride from the store (on Rainier Ave) and be on the trails in minutes. They offer a full range of frame sizes to fit anyone in your group. Did you know there are enough trails to ride up to 30 miles in one day?
Visit Olympic Outdoor Center online or come down to the store.
Choose your next adventure at www.olympicoutdoorcenter.com and be sure to click the ADVENTURES tab.
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Whaling Days
July 25, 26, 27, 2025
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Silverdale @ Sunset: Ranger & the Re-Arrangers
Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 6:30 pm
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Immersive Tour Offering Visits to
Historic & Cultural Suquamish Sites
June - Sept 2025
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Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
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Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for our weekly Community Connections!
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Bremerton Office (360) 479-3579 | 705 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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